GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Ecommerce Global Industry Statistics

The global e-commerce industry is projected to continue its rapid growth, with total sales expected to reach $4.2 trillion by the end of 2020.

Highlights: Ecommerce Global Industry Statistics

  • Global e-commerce sales are expected to top $4.2 trillion USD in 2020.
  • As of 2021, e-commerce is expected to make up 22% of global retail sales.
  • There will be 2.14 billion global digital buyers in 2021.
  • 62% of online buyers shop at least once per month.
  • 95% of all purchases are expected to be via e-commerce by 2040.
  • As of 2021, China is the largest e-commerce market in the world.
  • Mobile will account for 72.9% of e-commerce sales by 2021.
  • 77% of UK retailers see e-commerce as a future growth driver.
  • Consumers spent $861.12 billion online with U.S. merchants in 2020, up 44% from $598.02 billion in 2019.
  • The average online shopping and purchase intention rates among online shoppers worldwide are 58.3% for clothing and 47% for travel.
  • In 2020, an estimated 1.92 billion people purchased goods or services online.
  • Fashion is currently the leading product category in ecommerce, accounting for over 60% of total global sales.
  • Almost a quarter of e-commerce sales (22%) were made on a smartphone in 2020.
  • E-commerce's share of total global retail sales in 2021 is 17.5%.
  • By 2023, the e-commerce market’s revenue is expected to grow to $740 billion.
  • 37% of online spend is made through Amazon.
  • 50% of total e-commerce revenue comes from mobile platforms.
  • In Europe, e-commerce will be worth $621 billion in 2020, with a growth rate of 12.8%.
  • 67% of younger consumers prefer online shopping.
  • The number of digital buyers worldwide is expected to reach 2.14 billion in 2021.

Table of Contents

The Latest Ecommerce Global Industry Statistics Explained

Global e-commerce sales are expected to top $4.2 trillion USD in 2020.

This statistic provides an estimate of the total value of goods and services expected to be sold through online platforms worldwide in the year 2020. The figure of $4.2 trillion USD highlights the significant and rapidly growing role of e-commerce in the global economy. The increasing prevalence of internet access, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences towards online shopping have all contributed to this substantial forecasted figure. The growth in e-commerce sales is expected to have far-reaching implications for businesses, consumers, and industries across the globe, emphasizing the continued importance of digital commerce in today’s interconnected world.

As of 2021, e-commerce is expected to make up 22% of global retail sales.

The statistic indicates that by the year 2021, it is projected that e-commerce activities will account for approximately 22% of overall retail sales worldwide. This suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping platforms compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The continued growth of e-commerce can be attributed to factors such as convenience, accessibility, and a broader range of products available to customers. The rise of digital technologies and the increasing acceptance of online shopping by consumers are likely driving forces behind this trend. As a result, businesses are adapting to this changing landscape by enhancing their online presence and investing in e-commerce capabilities to remain competitive in the evolving retail industry.

There will be 2.14 billion global digital buyers in 2021.

The statistic “There will be 2.14 billion global digital buyers in 2021” indicates the estimated number of individuals worldwide who are expected to make online purchases during the year 2021. This metric reflects the growing trend of e-commerce and digital consumption across the globe, driven by factors such as the increasing availability of internet access, the rise of mobile technology, and the convenience of online shopping. The significant number of digital buyers underscores the importance of businesses adapting to the digital marketplace to reach a vast and expanding customer base, highlighting the transformative impact of technology on consumer behavior and the economy.

62% of online buyers shop at least once per month.

The statistic “62% of online buyers shop at least once per month” indicates that a significant majority of individuals who make purchases online do so on a regular basis. This finding implies that online shopping is a common and frequent activity among this particular group of consumers. The statistic suggests that a large portion of online buyers are engaged in regular shopping behavior, potentially indicating a strong trend towards the convenience and accessibility of e-commerce platforms for fulfilling their purchasing needs on a monthly basis.

95% of all purchases are expected to be via e-commerce by 2040.

The statistic ‘95% of all purchases are expected to be via e-commerce by 2040’ suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping over the next two decades. This projection implies that traditional brick-and-mortar retail is likely to be greatly disrupted, with the vast majority of transactions occurring in the digital space. Factors driving this trend may include technological advancements, changing consumer preferences for convenience and accessibility, and the global expansion of e-commerce platforms. Businesses across various industries may need to adapt their strategies to capitalize on this shift and remain competitive in the evolving marketplace.

As of 2021, China is the largest e-commerce market in the world.

The statistic that as of 2021, China is the largest e-commerce market in the world highlights the significant growth and dominance of the Chinese e-commerce sector. This statistic indicates that China surpasses other major global markets, such as the United States, in terms of the volume of online retail transactions and consumer activity. China’s success in the e-commerce space can be attributed to the rapid expansion of internet and mobile usage, a large and digitally savvy consumer base, as well as the presence of major e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba and JD.com. Additionally, factors such as improved logistics infrastructure, widespread digital payment systems, and a flourishing cross-border e-commerce ecosystem have all contributed to China’s leading position in the global e-commerce landscape.

Mobile will account for 72.9% of e-commerce sales by 2021.

The statistic “Mobile will account for 72.9% of e-commerce sales by 2021” means that a significant portion of online sales transactions will be conducted through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets in the year 2021. This trend highlights the increasing importance of mobile technology in the digital shopping landscape, as consumers are becoming more reliant on their mobile devices to make purchases conveniently and efficiently. Businesses and e-commerce platforms need to optimize their websites and online shopping experiences for mobile users to capitalize on this shift in consumer behavior and to stay competitive in the evolving e-commerce industry.

77% of UK retailers see e-commerce as a future growth driver.

The statistic “77% of UK retailers see e-commerce as a future growth driver” indicates that a significant majority of retailers in the UK believe that e-commerce will play a crucial role in driving growth for their businesses. This suggests a strong confidence and recognition among retailers in the potential benefits and opportunities presented by online retail platforms. With the increasing shift towards digitalization and online shopping trends, this statistic highlights the strategic importance that retailers are placing on e-commerce as a key driver of future success and sustainable growth in the competitive retail market.

Consumers spent $861.12 billion online with U.S. merchants in 2020, up 44% from $598.02 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that consumer spending on online purchases with U.S. merchants increased significantly from $598.02 billion in 2019 to $861.12 billion in 2020, marking a substantial 44% growth rate over the course of one year. This surge in online spending reflects a notable shift in consumer behavior, likely influenced by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of e-commerce due to lockdowns and restrictions on in-person shopping. The increase in online shopping may also be attributed to the convenience, variety of choices, and competitive pricing offered by online retailers. Overall, the rise in online consumer spending highlights the ongoing trend toward digital commerce and the evolving landscape of retail in the United States.

The average online shopping and purchase intention rates among online shoppers worldwide are 58.3% for clothing and 47% for travel.

The statistic provided indicates that, on average, 58.3% of online shoppers worldwide have the intention to shop for clothing online, while 47% have the intention to make travel-related purchases online. This data suggests that a significant portion of global online shoppers are actively considering buying clothing items via e-commerce platforms, with a slightly lower proportion showing interest in purchasing travel-related products or services online. These rates reflect the growing trend of consumers turning to online shopping for convenience, variety, and potentially better deals in the clothing and travel sectors. It also highlights the importance for retailers and travel companies to have a strong online presence and user-friendly platforms to cater to the preferences and behaviors of today’s digital consumers.

In 2020, an estimated 1.92 billion people purchased goods or services online.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, approximately 1.92 billion individuals worldwide engaged in online shopping by purchasing goods or services over the internet. This figure highlights the significant impact of e-commerce on global consumer behavior and the growing trend of shifting towards online shopping platforms. Factors contributing to this increase in online purchases may include the convenience, accessibility, and variety of products available through digital channels. The statistic not only reflects the scale of the digital marketplace but also underscores the importance of businesses adapting to consumer preferences by enhancing their online presence and offering seamless shopping experiences to cater to the evolving needs of the modern consumer.

Fashion is currently the leading product category in ecommerce, accounting for over 60% of total global sales.

The statistic suggests that within the realm of ecommerce, fashion products have emerged as the most prominent category in terms of sales volume, capturing a substantial share of over 60% of total global sales. This indicates a strong consumer preference for fashion items when it comes to online shopping, highlighting the significant impact and influence of the fashion industry in the digital market space. The dominance of fashion products in ecommerce underscores the importance of this category for retailers and businesses operating online, signaling a lucrative opportunity for companies to capitalize on the popularity and demand for fashion products among online consumers worldwide.

Almost a quarter of e-commerce sales (22%) were made on a smartphone in 2020.

This statistic indicates that a significant portion of e-commerce sales, specifically 22%, were conducted through smartphones in the year 2020. This suggests a growing trend of consumers using mobile devices to make online purchases. The data highlights the increasing importance of mobile optimization for e-commerce businesses to cater to the preferences and convenience of smartphone users. As more people continue to rely on their smartphones for various activities, including shopping, businesses need to prioritize mobile-friendly platforms and user experiences to capitalize on this shifting consumer behavior and potentially increase their online sales in the future.

E-commerce’s share of total global retail sales in 2021 is 17.5%.

The statistic that E-commerce’s share of total global retail sales in 2021 is 17.5% signifies the proportion of all retail sales that were conducted through online platforms. This figure highlights the growing significance of E-commerce in the retail industry, indicating that nearly one-fifth of all retail transactions worldwide occurred online in 2021. This trend reflects the increasing shift towards digital shopping channels, driven by factors such as convenience, selection, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer behavior. As E-commerce continues to expand and evolve, businesses must adapt their strategies to leverage online opportunities and meet the changing preferences of customers.

By 2023, the e-commerce market’s revenue is expected to grow to $740 billion.

The statistic “By 2023, the e-commerce market’s revenue is expected to grow to $740 billion” indicates a projected growth in the e-commerce industry’s revenue by the year 2023. This suggests a significant increase in the total sales generated from online retail transactions across various platforms and sectors. The growth of the e-commerce market to $740 billion reflects the continuous trend of consumers shifting towards online shopping, driven by factors such as convenience, wider product offerings, and evolving technology. This statistic highlights the increasing importance and potential opportunities for businesses operating in the e-commerce sector to capitalize on this growing market and adapt their strategies to meet the demands of the digital retail landscape.

37% of online spend is made through Amazon.

The statistic ‘37% of online spend is made through Amazon’ indicates that 37% of the total money spent on online purchases is attributed to transactions made through the e-commerce platform Amazon. This suggests that Amazon holds a significant market share in the online retail sector, emphasizing its widespread popularity and dominance in e-commerce. This statistic also implies that a substantial portion of consumer shopping behavior is channeled through Amazon’s platform, highlighting the platform’s strong influence and presence in the digital marketplace.

50% of total e-commerce revenue comes from mobile platforms.

The statistic stating that 50% of total e-commerce revenue comes from mobile platforms indicates that half of the sales revenue generated by online businesses is from transactions made through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This highlights the significant impact that mobile technology has on the e-commerce industry, showing a clear trend towards consumers increasingly using mobile devices to shop online. This statistic underscores the importance for businesses to optimize their platforms for mobile users to capitalize on this growing market segment and maximize their revenue potential in the e-commerce space.

In Europe, e-commerce will be worth $621 billion in 2020, with a growth rate of 12.8%.

The statistic that in Europe, e-commerce will be worth $621 billion in 2020, with a growth rate of 12.8% signifies the significant and increasing impact of e-commerce on the European market. The $621 billion value represents the total monetary value of online transactions and sales within the European e-commerce sector. The 12.8% growth rate indicates the rate at which this value is expected to increase from the previous year, highlighting the ongoing trend towards digitalization and online shopping. This statistic underlines the importance of e-commerce as a key driver of economic activity in Europe and showcases the continuous expansion and evolution of the online retail industry in the region.

67% of younger consumers prefer online shopping.

The statistic that 67% of younger consumers prefer online shopping indicates that a significant majority of individuals in the younger demographic favor making purchases through online platforms over traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This suggests a shift in consumer behavior towards digital commerce as younger generations increasingly value the convenience, variety, and accessibility offered by online shopping. This trend may have implications for retailers and businesses, highlighting the importance of having a strong online presence and providing a seamless shopping experience to cater to the preferences of younger consumers.

The number of digital buyers worldwide is expected to reach 2.14 billion in 2021.

This statistic indicates that the total global population of individuals purchasing goods or services online, known as digital buyers, is projected to increase to 2.14 billion by the year 2021. This suggests a significant and continuing trend towards e-commerce and digital transactions, driven by factors such as increased internet access, technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the expansion of online marketplaces. The growth in the number of digital buyers worldwide reflects the ongoing digitalization of commerce and the increasing reliance on online shopping platforms for a wide range of products and services. This statistic highlights the importance for businesses to adapt to the evolving digital landscape and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the growing digital consumer base.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.nasdaq.com

2. – https://www.www.oberlo.com

3. – https://www.www.digitalcommerce360.com

4. – https://www.www.retail-week.com

5. – https://www.www.statistica.com

6. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

7. – https://www.www.outerboxdesign.com

8. – https://www.www.jm-seo.org

9. – https://www.ecommercenews.eu

10. – https://www.www.shopify.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!